Luikart retires from service

Lt. Col. Kenneth Arthur Luikart

Lt. Col. Kenneth Arthur Luikart has retired from the 165th Mission Support Group where he served as vice-commander, after more than 30 years of service.

Luikart served in several notable positions of responsibility during his career, beginning in 1968 when he enlisted in the Army, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was assigned as a combat order of battle analyst with the 175th Radio Research Company, Bien Hoa Army Base, and Republic of Vietnam. In 1975, he enlisted in the Georgia Air National Guard as an intelligence specialist in the 165th Airlift Group. In 1979, he was awarded a direct commission as a first lieutenant and served as an air intelligence officer.

Since joining the 165th Airlift Wing, Luikart served in ever increasing positions of responsibility culminating as vice commander of the wing’s Mission Support Group. He was awarded a considerable number of service commendations during his career, most notably the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, U.S. Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Vietnam Campaign Medal with five battle stars, and Humanitarian Service Medal with oak leaf cluster.

Luikart lives in Rincon with his wife of 36 years, Sandi. They have two children, Harry (Jamey) Benjamin and Jennifer Luikart Russell, a daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and a son-in-law, Matthew Russell.